RJD Demands CBI Probe Under Judicial Supervision in Patna Girls’ Hostel Student Death Case

Patna, Jan 31: The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has demanded that the suspicious death of a NEET aspirant staying at Shambhu Girls’ Hostel in Patna be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the supervision of a Supreme Court or High Court judge. The Bihar government has already recommended a CBI inquiry into the case, a move welcomed by both the BJP and JDU.

The incident has sparked widespread concern and protests, with local residents and student groups calling for a transparent and impartial investigation. RJD spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed raised questions about the performance of the Bihar Police and the Special Investigation Team (SIT), stating that 18 days have passed without any substantial progress in the case. Ahmed criticized the authorities for declaring the case as a suicide despite objections from the victim’s family, calling it an alarming failure in delivering justice.

Doubts Over Fairness of Investigation

While the Bihar government’s recommendation for a CBI probe has been made, Ejaz Ahmed expressed doubts over the impartiality of the investigation in a state governed by a “double-engine government.” He suggested that supervision by a senior judicial officer would better ensure transparency and fairness in the inquiry.

The deceased student’s family met with Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar on Friday but claimed they received no concrete assurance of justice. The DGP reportedly insisted that the death was a case of suicide, prompting the family to approach Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Samrat Chaudhary, who also could not provide satisfactory assurances.

The family has also made serious allegations against the authorities. The student’s mother claimed that police officials were “corrupt,” while her brother alleged that both the police and SIT treated them like criminals rather than victims.

Bihar Government’s Response

Following the recommendation for a CBI probe, the state government and allied parties expressed support for the move, emphasizing its aim to ensure a fair and transparent investigation. Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary confirmed on social media platform X that CM Nitish Kumar has requested the Centre to direct a CBI inquiry into the case (Case No. 14/26).

Bihar Minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal stated that a thorough investigation is underway, and all aspects of the incident are being examined. He accused some individuals of spreading rumors to malign the Bihar Police and government. Jaiswal reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to bringing the guilty to justice once the family requested a CBI probe.

Emerging Evidence

JDU national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad noted that several crucial pieces of evidence have emerged in the SIT investigation, including video footage and Call Detail Records (CDR) related to the incident. He assured that a detailed report will be submitted and that the student’s family should not worry about obtaining justice.

Bihar Minister Lakhendra Paswan added that justice will be ensured regardless of the influence of any individual, and legal action will continue against all those involved.

Allegations of Sexual Assault

The deceased student, a resident of Jehanabad district, was preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and staying at the hostel in Chitragupt Nagar, Patna. Her family has alleged that she was subjected to sexual assault and that the administration attempted to suppress the case. The family has consistently expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation and continues to demand a high-level inquiry.